In every form of it was sternly condemned by the Mosaic law (Leviticus 21:9 ; 19:29 ; Deuteronomy 22:20,21,23-29 ; 23:18 ; Exodus 22:16 ). (See ADULTERY .)

But this word is more frequently used in a symbolical than in its ordinary sense. It frequently means a forsaking of God or a following after idols ( Isaiah 1:2 ; Jeremiah 2:20 ; Ezekiel 16 ; Hosea 1:2 ; 2:1-5 ; Jeremiah 3:8,9 ).